The Guardian | Howard Lutnick said he had three ‘inconsequential’ meetings with Epstein by Anna Betts

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Howard Lutnick, the U.S. commerce secretary, testified before a House oversight committee that he met Jeffrey Epstein only three times—in 2005 for coffee at Epstein’s home, in 2011 to discuss “scaffolding,” and in 2012 for a brief, “meaningless and inconsequential” lunch on Epstein’s private island—describing each encounter as insignificant and denying any personal or professional relationship or any knowledge of illegal activity. He recounted that during the 2005 visit he saw a massage table and was told Epstein received a “right kind of massage” daily, which he interpreted as possibly sexual, prompting him and his wife to sever ties. Lutnick asserted he never saw young women or girls at Epstein’s residence or island and condemned Epstein’s conduct. Democratic lawmakers criticized his testimony as evasive, while the Republican committee chair praised his transparency. Lutnick’s statements contradicted earlier comments made on a podcast and have fueled calls for his resignation as the first Trump‑administration official to appear before the panel.

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/13/howard-lutnick-jeffrey-epstein-interview-transcript

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